Afghan Leader Slams Foreign Interference; Violence Rages On

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has again criticized what he says is foreign interference in Afghanistan's political affairs.

Karzai issued the criticism during a speech Tuesday marking the 7th anniversary of the adoption of the Afghan constitution.

The Afghan leader did not name any specific country but said foreigners must let Afghanistan fully implement its constitution. He said that is something the nation cannot do until its has full independence.

This is not the first time Karzai has been critical of foreign elements in Afghanistan. Last year he ordered ordered private security firms to cease operations, saying they undermine the country's army and police.

Meanwhile, Afghan police said Tuesday an explosion in central Kabul killed a policeman and wounded at least two other people.

Officials said the blast happened as an officer was trying to defuse a device near the defense ministry.

Such bomb attacks are relatively rare in the Afghan capital. Last month, two suicide bombers struck a military bus in Kabul, killing five people.

On Monday, NATO said its forces will maintain pressure on the Taliban during the winter months when fighting traditionally eases.

A spokesman for NATO's International Security Assistance Force, German General Josef Blotz, said NATO expects a recent upturn in violence to continue, and he noted this is a sign that ISAF troops are putting pressure on Taliban strongholds.